Universities to help make Games safer

THE MORE than 3 500 athletes who are competing at the Rio Paralympic Games will be the subject of a novel study on the injuries and illnesses sustained at the Games.

The study, which will be led by Stellenbosch University and comprise international researchers, will also gather and analyse data on injuries and illnesses sustained at the subsequent Winter Paralympic Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, in 2018 and at the Paralympic Games in Tokyo in 2020.

The university said the reason for the study was to make events safer for athletes.

The Institute of Sports and Exercise Medicine (ISEM) at the university signed a memorandum of understanding with the International Paralympic Committee to gather and analyse the data.

“By studying a large group of athletes like this, we are able to discern risk factors for illness and injury, which allows us to put preventive measures in place,” Professor Wayne Derman, the director of ISEM at the university’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, said yesterday.

The study will be done in collaboration with Harvard University in the US, the University of Brighton in England and the University of Pretoria.

The research will also record all injuries and illnesses sustained during the Games that could impact on sports performance.

Meanwhile, with one day to go to the 2016 Paralympic Games opening ceremony in Rio de Janeiro, Team SA athletes are on track with their preparations.

Track and Suzanne Ferreira said: “Rio has been a pleasant surprise so far. The village is absolutely great. It was also awesome to see some of our old friends from other countries.

“The welcoming ceremony was a good reminder of the privilege we have to be here and united as a ‘sport family’ in one village. The team spirit is excellent, as always.”

One of Ferreira’s athletes, Fanie van der Merwe, is competing in his third Olympics. The T37 2008 and 2012 track gold medallist is preparing for his final Paralympics, having wrapped up his career on South African soil.

“I’m really exited about Rio. Team SA has a great spirit going, and I’m thankful to be here! I’m excited about what lies ahead and training is also going well! I love the people here.”

And his Paralympic gold medal colleague from Stellen- bosch, Ilse Hayes, a sprinter in the T13 category, is also in high spirits.

“Wow, what a cool village. My view from my bed is the most amazing rolling hills. The village is bustling full of excited athletes ready to compete.”

As for the business side of things, Hayes is happy.

“Prep is going really well. I’m feeling strong and confident. Now I just have to stay focused on what is important.

“I live by the motto of challenging myself to be the best version of myself every day, so that’s what I want to achieve here in Rio.

“To be a better version than four years ago – on and off the track. And also physically, mentally, and most importantly, spiritually.

“I want to run limitlessly for God and experience His presence every step of the way.”